U.S. patent application number 15/547432 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-01 for mechanically integrated propulsion guiding unit.
The applicant listed for this patent is Otis Elevator Company. Invention is credited to Arthur Blanc, Richard N. Fargo, Cezary Jedryczka, Adam Marian Myszkowski, Zbigniew Piech, Wojciech Szelag, Beata I. Wawrzyniak.
Application Number | 20180029829 15/547432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55398435 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180029829 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piech; Zbigniew ; et
al. |
February 1, 2018 |
MECHANICALLY INTEGRATED PROPULSION GUIDING UNIT
Abstract
A guide assembly (60) for guiding movement of an elevator car
(30) is provided including a first (66) and second (68) guide
support coupled to the elevator car (30). The first guide support
(66) and the second guide support (68) are separated from one
another by a gap (G) wider than an adjacent primary portion (42) of
a propulsion system (40) of the elevator car (30). A pair of first
guides (70) is mounted to the first (66) and second (68) guide
support, respectively. The first guides (70) are substantially
parallel and are configured to guide movement of the elevator car
(30) in a first direction to maintain a clearance between the
primary (42) and secondary (44) portions of the propulsion system
(40) of the elevator car (30). A second guide (72) is mounted to
one of the first (66) and second (68) guide support. The second
guide (72) is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first
guides (70). The second guide (72) is configured to guide movement
of the elevator car (30) in a second direction.
Inventors: |
Piech; Zbigniew; (Cheshire,
CT) ; Myszkowski; Adam Marian; (Ostrow Wlkp, PL)
; Jedryczka; Cezary; (Lniano, PL) ; Szelag;
Wojciech; (Poznan, PL) ; Blanc; Arthur;
(Providence, RI) ; Wawrzyniak; Beata I.; (South
Windsor, CT) ; Fargo; Richard N.; (Plainville,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Otis Elevator Company |
Farmington |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55398435 |
Appl. No.: |
15/547432 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
January 29, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2016/015564 |
371 Date: |
July 28, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62109090 |
Jan 29, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66B 7/046 20130101;
B66B 7/02 20130101; B66B 11/0407 20130101; B66B 7/04 20130101; B66B
7/048 20130101; B66B 9/003 20130101; B66B 5/02 20130101; B66B 9/00
20130101; B66B 7/022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B66B 7/04 20060101
B66B007/04; B66B 9/00 20060101 B66B009/00; B66B 7/02 20060101
B66B007/02 |
Claims
1. A guide assembly for guiding movement of an elevator car, the
guide assembly comprising: a first guide support and a second guide
support coupled to a portion of an elevator car and separated from
one another by a gap, wherein the gap is wider than an adjacent
primary portion of a propulsion system of the elevator system; a
pair of first guides mounted to the first guide support and the
second guide support respectively, the pair of first guides being
substantially parallel and configured to guide movement of the
elevator car in a first direction such that a clearance is
maintained between the primary portion and a secondary portion of a
propulsion system mounted to the elevator car; at least one second
guide mounted to one of the first guide support and the second
guide support, the at least one second guide being oriented
substantially perpendicular to the first guides, the second guide
being configured to guide movement of the elevator car in a second
direction.
2. The guide assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first guide
support and the second guide support are symmetrical about a plane
extending parallel to the first and second guide support through a
center of the gap.
3. The guide assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first guide
support and the second guide support are connected directly to a
portion of the elevator car.
4. The guide assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first guide
support and the second guide support are integrally formed with a
portion of the elevator car.
5. The guide assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first guide
support and the second guide support are indirectly coupled to the
elevator car via a support member such that the elevator car is
isolated from noise and vibration.
6. The guide assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first guide
support is a first structural member of the secondary portion of
the propulsion system and the second guide support is a second
structural member of the secondary portion of the propulsion
system.
7. The guide assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first guide
support is connected to a first structural member of the secondary
portion of the propulsion system and the second guide support is
connected to the second structural member of the secondary portion
of the propulsion system.
8. The guide assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first guide
support and the second guide support extend substantially parallel
to the first structural member and the second structural
member.
9. The guide assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one actuator such that one or more of the first guides and
the at least one second guide is active.
10. An elevator system, the guide system comprising: at least one
elevator car; at least one vertical structural guide member
arranged adjacent a primary portion of a propulsion system of the
elevator car; a secondary portion of the propulsion system being
coupled to the elevator car, the secondary portion being arranged
generally parallel to the primary portion of the propulsion system;
and at least one guide assembly configured to limit horizontal
movement of the elevator car, the guide assembly including: a first
guide support and a parallel second guide support coupled to a
portion of the elevator car and separated from one another by a
gap, wherein the gap is wider than the primary portion of a
propulsion system; a pair of first guides mounted to the first
guide support and the second guide support respectively, the pair
of first guides being configured to contact one or more first wall
of the at least one structural guide member to limit movement of
the elevator car in a first direction such that a clearance between
the primary portion and the secondary portion of the propulsion
system is maintained; and at least one second guide mounted to one
of the first guide support and the second guide support, the at
least one second guide being oriented substantially perpendicular
to the first guides, the second guide being configured to contact a
second wall of the at least one structural guide member to guide
movement of the elevator car in a second direction.
11. The elevator system according to claim 10, wherein the first
guide support and the second guide support are directly connected
to a portion of the elevator car.
12. The elevator system according to claim 10, wherein the first
guide support and the second guide support are integrally formed
with a portion of the elevator car.
13. The elevator system according to claim 10, wherein the first
guide support and the second guide support are indirectly coupled
to the elevator car via a support member configured to isolate the
elevator car from noise and vibration of the at least one guide
assembly.
14. The elevator system according to claim 13, further comprising
at least one of a safety device and a brake mounted to the elevator
car, wherein at least one of the safety device and the brake are
configured to engage the support member to slow or stop movement of
the elevator car.
15. The elevator system according to claim 10, wherein the first
guide support is a first structural member of the secondary portion
of the propulsion system and the second guide support is a second
structural member of the secondary portion of the propulsion
system.
16. The elevator system according to claim 10, wherein the first
guide support is connected to a first structural member of the
secondary portion of the propulsion system and the second guide
support is connected to a second structural member of the secondary
portion of the propulsion system.
17. The elevator system according to claim 16, wherein the first
guide support and the second guide support extend substantially
parallel to the first structural member and the second structural
member.
18. The elevator system according to claim 10, further comprising
at least one actuator such that one or more of the first guides and
the at least one second guide is active.
19. The elevator system according to claim 10, wherein the at least
one structural guide member includes a plurality of first walls
extending from opposing ends of the second wall, the plurality of
first walls and second walls being integrally formed.
20. The elevator system according to claim 19, wherein the at least
one structural guide member is a C-channel.
21. The elevator system according to claim 10, wherein the at least
one structural guide member includes a first structural guide
member and a second structural guide member arranged symmetrically
on opposing sides of the primary portion of the propulsion
system.
22. The guide system according to claim 21, wherein the first
structural guide member and the second structural guide member are
angles.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the
field of elevators, and more particularly to a guide assembly of a
multicar, ropeless, self-propelled elevator system.
[0002] Ropeless elevator systems, also referred to as
self-propelled elevator systems, are useful in certain applications
(e.g., high rise buildings) where the mass of the ropes for a roped
system is prohibitive and there is a desire for multiple elevator
cars to travel in a single hoistway or lane. There exist ropeless
elevator systems in which a first lane is designated for upward
traveling elevator cars and a second lane is designated for
downward traveling elevator cars. A transfer station at each end of
the lane is used to move cars horizontally between the first lane
and second lane.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one embodiment, a guide assembly for guiding
movement of an elevator car is provided including a first guide
support and a second guide support coupled to a portion of the
elevator car. The first guide support and the second guide support
are separated from one another by a gap wider than an adjacent
primary portion of a propulsion system of the elevator car. A pair
of first guides is mounted to the first guide support and the
second guide support, respectively. The first guides are
substantially parallel and are configured to guide movement of the
elevator car in a first direction to maintain a clearance between
the primary portion and a secondary portion of the propulsion
system of the elevator car. A second guide is mounted to one of the
first guide support and the second guide support. The second guide
is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first guides. The
second guide is configured to guide movement of the elevator car in
a second direction.
[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments may include the first
guide support and the second guide support are symmetrical about a
plane extending parallel to the first and second guide support
through a center of the gap.
[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
and the second guide support are connected directly to a portion of
the elevator car.
[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
and the second guide support are integrally formed with a portion
of the elevator car.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
and the second guide support are indirectly coupled to the elevator
car via a support member such that the elevator car is isolated
from noise and vibration.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
is a first structural member of the secondary portion of the
propulsion system and the second guide support is a second
structural member of the secondary portion of the propulsion
system.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
is connected to a first structural member of the secondary portion
of the propulsion system and the second guide support is connected
to the second structural member of the secondary portion of the
propulsion system.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
and the second guide support extend substantially parallel to the
first structural member and the second structural member.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the guide assembly
includes at least one actuator such that one or more of the first
guides and the at least one second guide is active.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, an
elevator system is provided including an elevator car. A vertical
structural guide member is arranged adjacent a primary portion of a
propulsion system of the elevator car. A secondary portion of the
propulsion system is coupled to the elevator car. The secondary
portion is arranged parallel to the primary portion of the
propulsion system. At least one guide assembly is configured to
limit horizontal movement of the elevator car. The guide assembly
includes a first guide support and a second guide support coupled
to a portion of the elevator car. The first guide support and the
second guide support are separated from one another by a gap wider
than the primary portion of a propulsion system of the elevator
car. A pair of first guides is mounted to the first guide support
and the second guide support, respectively. The first guides are
configured to contact one or more first wall of at least one
structural guide member to limit movement of the elevator car in a
first direction. The first guides maintain a clearance between the
primary portion and the secondary portion of the propulsion system.
At least one second guide is mounted to one of the first guide
support and the second guide support. The second guide is oriented
substantially perpendicular to the first guides. The second guide
is configured to contact a second wall of the at least one
structural guide member to guide movement of the elevator car in a
second direction.
[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
and the second guide support are directly connected to a portion of
the elevator car.
[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
and the second guide support are integrally formed with a portion
of the elevator car.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
and the second guide support are indirectly coupled to the elevator
car via a support member configured to isolate the elevator car
from noise and vibration of the at least one guide assembly.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the elevator system also
includes at least one of a safety device and a brake mounted to the
elevator car. At least one of the safety device and the brake is
configured to engage the support member to slow or stop movement of
the elevator car.
[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
is a first structural member of the secondary portion of the
propulsion system and the second guide support is a second
structural member of the secondary portion of the propulsion
system.
[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
is connected to a first structural member of the secondary portion
of the propulsion system and the second guide support is connected
to a second structural member of the secondary portion of the
propulsion system.
[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first guide support
and the second guide support extend substantially parallel to the
first structural member and the second structural member.
[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the elevator system
includes at least one actuator such that one or more of the first
guides and the at least one second guide is active.
[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the at least one
structural guide member includes a plurality of first walls
extending from opposing ends of the second wall, the plurality of
first walls and second walls being integrally formed.
[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the at least one
structural guide member is a C-channel.
[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the at least one
structural guide member includes a first structural guide member
and a second structural guide member arranged symmetrically on
opposing sides of the primary portion of the propulsion system.
[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments the first structural
guide member and the second structural guide member are angles.
[0025] Technical features of the invention include providing a
guide assembly system that limits movement of the primary and
secondary portions of the propulsion system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at
the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other
features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a front view of an example of a multicar elevator
system;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of an elevator car
of the multicar elevator system according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a top view of the elevator car of FIG. 2 according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a top view of a guide assembly of the elevator car
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a guide assembly of the
elevator car according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a guide assembly
according to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the guide assembly of FIG. 6
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0034] The detailed description explains embodiments of the
invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example
with reference to the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a multicar, ropeless elevator
system 20 that may be employed with embodiments of the invention.
Elevator system 20 includes an elevator shaft 22 having a plurality
of lanes 24, 26, and 28. While three lanes 24, 26, 28 are shown in
FIG. 1, it is understood that various embodiments of the invention
and various configurations of a multicar, ropeless elevator systems
may include any number of lanes, either more or fewer than the
three lanes shown in FIG. 1. One or more elevator cars 30 are
configured to move vertically within each lane 24, 26, 28 in a
single direction, i.e. up or down. In addition, an elevator car 30
is generally configured to move through one lane of the system 20
in a first direction and through another lane of the system 20 in a
second, opposite direction. For example, as illustrated in the
non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 1, an elevator car 30 in within
lanes 24 and 26 is configured to travel vertically in an up
direction and an elevator car 30 within lane 28 is configured to
travel vertically in a down direction.
[0036] Located generally above the top floor of the building is an
upper transfer station 32 configured to impart horizontal motion to
the elevator cars 30 to move the elevator cars 30 between the
plurality of lanes 24, 26, and 28. It is understood that upper
transfer station 32 may be located at the top floor, rather than
above the top floor. Similarly, below the first floor of the
building is a lower transfer station 34 configured to impart
horizontal motion to the elevator cars 30 to move the elevator cars
30 between the plurality of lanes 24, 26, and 28. It is understood
that lower transfer station 34 may be located at the first floor,
rather than below the first floor. Although not shown in FIG. 1,
one or more intermediate transfer stations may be used between the
first floor and the top floor. Intermediate transfer stations are
similar to the upper transfer station 32 and lower transfer station
34, and are configured to impart horizontal motion to the elevator
cars 30 at the respective transfer station. Further, although not
shown in FIG. 1, the elevator cars 30 may stop at intermediate
floors 40 to allow ingress to and egress from the elevator cars
30.
[0037] Cars 30 are propelled using a propulsion system 40 such as a
linear, permanent magnet motor system having a primary, fixed
portion 42 and a secondary, moving portion 44. One or more primary
portion 42, such as including coils mounted on a structural member
46 for example, and may be positioned at one or both sides of the
lanes 24, 26, and 28. The secondary portion 44 may include a
plurality of permanent magnets 48 mounted to one or both sides of
cars 30. Primary portion 42 is supplied with drive signals from one
or more drive units (not shown) to control movement of the cars 30
in their respective lanes through the linear, permanent magnet
motor system 40. The secondary portion 44 operatively connects with
and electromagnetically operates with the primary portion 42 to be
driven. The driven secondary portion 42 enables the car 30 to move
along the primary portion 42 and thus move within a lane 24, 26,
and 28.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, an elevator car 30 configured for
use in the elevator system 20 is illustrated in more detail. The
secondary portion 44 of the propulsion system 40 includes a
plurality of permanent magnets 48 mounted to a first and second
structural member 50, 52 extending from a side of the elevator car
30. The first and second structural member 50, 52 may be separate,
or alternatively, may be integrally formed with one another. In one
embodiment, the first structural member 50 and the second
structural member 52 are connected to the elevator car 30 via a
support member such that the elevator car 30 is isolated from noise
and vibration generated as the elevator car 30 moves through a
lane.
[0039] The elevator car 30 includes at least one guide assembly 60
configured to guide horizontal movement of the elevator car 30 as
the car 30 moves vertically within a lane 24, 26, 28. In the
illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the elevator car 30 includes
a first guide assembly 60 adjacent a first side 62 of the elevator
car 30 and a second guide assembly 60 mounted adjacent a second,
opposite side 64 of the elevator car 30. However, embodiments where
the elevator car 30 includes only a single guide assembly 60 or
where multiple guide assemblies 60 are arranged on a single side of
the car 30 are within the scope of the invention.
[0040] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiments, the guide
assemblies 60 illustrated in FIGS. 2-7 includes a first guide
support 66 and a second guide support 68 separated from one another
by a distance to define a gap G there between. In the illustrated,
non-limiting embodiment, the first and second guide supports 66, 68
both extend from a side of the elevator car 30 in the same
direction, parallel to the first and second structural member 50,
52 of the secondary portion 44 of the propulsion system 40. As
shown, the guide supports 66, 68 are generally rectangular in shape
and have a substantially constant cross-section over their length.
However, guide supports 66, 68 having other configurations are
within the scope of the invention. The first guide support 66 and
the second guide support 68 may be substantially symmetrical about
a plane P (see FIG. 3) extending through the center of the gap G,
parallel to the first and second guide support 66, 68. As shown,
the gap G between the guide supports 66, 68 is greater than a width
of the primary portion 42 of the propulsion system such that the
first guide support 66 is generally positioned adjacent a first
side of the primary portion 42 and the second guide support 68 is
arranged near an opposite side of the primary portion 42. In one
embodiment, the guide assembly 60 is connected to the elevator car
30 such that the gap G between the first and second guide support
66, 68 of the guide assembly 60 is substantially centered with the
secondary portion 44 of the propulsion system 40.
[0041] A pair of first guides 70 is mounted to a portion of the
first guide support 66 and the second guide support 68,
respectively, such as at a distal end thereof, such that the first
guides 70 are arranged within a plane substantially perpendicular
to the guide supports 66, 68, and parallel to the adjacent surface
of the elevator car 30. Together the first guides 70 are configured
to guide "front to back" movement of the elevator car 30 to
maintain the clearance between the primary and secondary portions
42, 44 of the propulsion system 40.
[0042] The guide assembly 60 additionally includes at least one
second guide 72 mounted to either the first guide support 66 or the
second guide support 68. Although the guide assembly 60 illustrated
in FIG. 6 includes a single second guide 72, embodiments having
additional second guides 72, such as two second guides 72 as shown
in FIG. 4 for example, are within the scope of the invention. The
second guide 72 is mounted vertically offset from an adjacent first
guide 70 to prevent any interference there between. The second
guide 72 is arranged within a plane substantially parallel to the
guide supports 66, 68 of the guide assembly 60 and perpendicular to
the pair of first guides 70 to guide "side to side" movement of the
elevator car 30. In one embodiment, the structural members 50, 52
of the secondary portion 44 of the propulsion system 40 are
configured as the first and second guide supports 66, 68 of the
guide assembly 60 such that the first guides 70 and the at least
second guide 72 are directly mounted thereto. Although the first
and second guides are illustrated in the FIGS. as roller guides,
other types of guides, such as a sliding guide for example, are
within the scope of the invention. It will be understood that as
used in this disclosure, the phrase "front to back" indicates the
direction of arrow A and the phrase "side to side" indicates the
direction of arrow B, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0043] In one embodiment, the at least one guide assembly 60 is
coupled to or integrally formed with a portion of the elevator car
30. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-5, the guide assemblies
60 are mounted to the top or ceiling 74 of the elevator car 30.
Alternatively, or in addition, one or more guide assemblies 60 may
be arranged adjacent the bottom or floor (not shown) of the
elevator car 30, or at any other location between the floor and
ceiling 74 of the elevator car 30. Although the illustrated
secondary portion 44 and guide assemblies 60 are centered about a
first and second side 62, 64 of the car 30, embodiments where the
secondary portion 44 and a guide assembly 60 aligned therewith is
offset from the center are within the scope of the invention. In
such embodiments, the guide assembly 60 on a first side 62 of the
elevator car 30 and the guide assembly 60 on a second side 64 of
the elevator car 30 may be offset in opposite, complementary
directions.
[0044] In another embodiment, the at least one guide assembly 60
may be connected to the elevator car 30 indirectly through the
secondary portion 44 of the propulsion system 40. For example, in
the embodiment illustrated in FIGS., the first and second guide
supports 66, 68 of the guide assembly 60 are coupled to or
integrally formed with the first and second structural members 50,
52 of the secondary portion 44.
[0045] The guides 70, 72 of the guide assembly 60 are configured to
contact and cooperate with one or more structural guide members 80
arranged adjacent the primary portion 42 of the propulsion system
40. The at least one structural guide member includes 80 a first
wall 82 and a second wall 84 arranged substantially perpendicular
to one another. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
6, a first structural guide member and a second symmetrical guide
member, such as angles each having a perpendicular first and second
wall, are arranged symmetrically on opposing sides of the primary
portion 42 of the propulsion system 40. In another embodiment, a
single structural guide member 80, such as a C-channel or U-channel
for example, includes a plurality of first walls 82 extending
perpendicularly from opposing ends of a second wall 84. In such
embodiments, the single structural guide member 80 may be
integrally formed with the structural member 46 configured to
support the primary portion 42.
[0046] Each first guide 70 of the guide assembly 60 is configured
to contact a first wall 82 of the at least one structural guide
member 80 and the at least one second guide 72 is configured to
contact a second wall 84 of the at least one structural guide
member 80. The first guides 70 and the at least one second guide 72
may be spring biased into contact with the one or more structural
guide members 80. In other embodiments, the guide assembly 60 may
be an active guide assembly including a plurality of actuators
connected to the first guides 70 and the second guides 72 to not
only improve the positioning of the secondary portion 44 relative
to the primary portion 42 of the propulsion system 40, but also to
dampen vibration of the elevator car 30 as it moves within a lane
24, 26, 28.
[0047] Other components of the elevator system 20 may be configured
to interact with the at least one structural guide member 80. For
example, a brake (not shown) mounted to the elevator car 30 may
engage a portion of at least one structural guide member 80 to slow
or stop movement of an elevator car 30. Similarly, one or more
safety devices (not shown) may be mounted to the guide assembly 60
or the elevator car 30. In one embodiment, the safety devices are
also configured to engage a portion of the at least one structural
guide member 80 to stop vertical movement of the elevator car 30,
such as in the event of an emergency for example.
[0048] An elevator car having one or more guide assemblies 60 as
described herein allow vertical movement of an elevator car 30
while retaining critical alignments between the primary and
secondary portions 42, 44 of the propulsion system 40, as well as
other stopping devices. By simplifying the complexity and limiting
the size of the guide assembly 60, both a space and cost savings
are achieved. In addition, by isolating the guide assembly 30 from
the elevator car 30, the ride quality within the elevator car 30 is
improved.
[0049] While the invention has been described in detail in
connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be
readily understood that the invention is not limited to such
disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to
incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or
equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are
commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention.
Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may
include only some of the described embodiments and/or features.
* * * * *